New Moffat County finance director settling in

Mindy Curtis accepted a position last month as Moffat County’s new finance director. Curtis spent 16 of her 18-year career as the accounting specialist for the Moffat County Department of Social Services.

Quotable

“It’s a big adjustment, but it’s also a lot of fun because I get to learn from all of the department heads, how the departments work together, and they’ve been teaching me a lot about how they function. I think that is going to be the best part of the job.”

— Mindy Curtis, Moffat County’s new finance director

Mindy Curtis accepted a position last month as Moffat County's new finance director. Curtis spent 16 of her 18-year career as the accounting specialist for the Moffat County Department of Social Services.Joe Moylan

Quotable

"It's a big adjustment, but it's also a lot of fun because I get to learn from all of the department heads, how the departments work together, and they've been teaching me a lot about how they function. I think that is going to be the best part of the job."

— Mindy Curtis, Moffat County’s new finance director

Change isn't always easy. Especially when embarking on a new career path after spending more than 18 years with the same company or department.

But, sometimes opportunity knocks and those who recognize it jump at the chance.

Mindy Curtis, 40, said last week she was fortunate to have opportunity strike twice in her life.

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Curtis accepted the position last month as the new Moffat County finance director after 18 years with the Moffat County Department of Social Services.

She served as accounting specialist for 16 of those 18 years.

"I really loved my job at social services and I didn't even plan on leaving," Curtis said. "I worked with Tinneal (Gerber) off and on over the years and I knew the books were kept really well, she was tight fiscally, and we understood each other.

"When she left I thought this job was exactly what I was doing before, but on a much larger scale with a good opportunity for growth."

But, Curtis knows she could just as easily be in another career and location altogether.

Curtis was living in Salt Lake City with her husband of now 24 years, Shad, when he learned of a job opportunity in Hayden.

The couple moved with little hesitation.

"It was actually an easy move. It felt right at the time, so that's what we did and we've been here ever since," Curtis said. "I think fate kind of leads you and when opportunity knocks you have to throw your hat in the ring" Today, Shad works in the Moffat County road and bridge department, one of several local agencies Curtis will be interacting with in her new role.

"It's a big adjustment, but it's also a lot of fun because I get to learn from all of the department heads, how the departments work together, and they've been teaching me a lot about how they function," Curtis said. "I think that is going to be the best part of the job."

Though Marie Peer, Moffat County Social Services director, said in a recent Moffat County Commission meeting that she was disappointed to lose Curtis, she also said Curtis would thrive in her new position.

"I think I contributed to how fiscally sound social services is, so now I get to work with all of the heads to make sure all of the departments are in the same position fiscally," Curtis said. "That's my job, to make sure we're good."

Quotable

“It’s a big adjustment, but it’s also a lot of fun because I get to learn from all of the department heads, how the departments work together, and they’ve been teaching me a lot about how they function. I think that is going to be the best part of the job.”